Interests

I have an interest in understanding global solid Earth processes, especially ones related to the mantle (the region between the crust and the core). I undertake this research through a combination of numerical modelling and data processing, especially by bringing strong observations to bear on numerical models. The models frequently utilise High-Performance Computing. They have included proposing slab break-off, assessing source region of subduction zone magmatism, subduction zone dynamics, mantle seismic structure, mantle heat flux, mantle circulation modelling, models of mantle dynamics underpinning mantle geochemistry and planetary formation and evolution. I also have a strong interest in supporting early career researchers interested in related research.

Mantle

Geodynamics

Geophysics

Subduction zone dynamics

Numerical modelling

Reader in Earth and Ocean Sciences – School
of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University (2008 - present)

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in
Earth and Ocean Sciecnes – School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff
University (2001 - 2008)

Lecturer in Geophysics – Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of
Liverpool (1992-2001)

NERC Research Fellow – Institute of Theoretical Geophysics, University of
Cambridge (1990-1992)

I lead the Solid Earth Research Theme (2015-16 before becoming School Director of Research), and lead one of its sub-constituent groups, the Mantle Geodynamics Group (MGG) which is part of the Tectonics and Geophysics Research Group. The MGG tries to understand how the region between the crust and the core, called the mantle, drives Earth dynamics including plate tectonics. We primarily do this using advanced numerical models on high performance computers. We constrain the models using observational data from many disciplines ranging from seismology and geodesy to geochemistry, geology and petrology.